Main Navigation

You are here:

Hyperventilation

Topic Overview

Hyperventilation is breathing that is deeper
and more rapid than normal. It causes a decrease in the amount of a gas in the
blood (called carbon dioxide, or CO2). This decrease may make you feel
lightheaded, have a rapid heartbeat, and be short of breath. It also can lead
to numbness or tingling in your hands or feet,
anxiety, fainting, and sore chest muscles.

Some causes of sudden hyperventilation include anxiety, fever, some
medicines, intense exercise, and emotional
stress. Hyperventilation also can occur because of
problems caused by asthma or emphysema or after a head injury. But it occurs
most often in people who are nervous or tense, breathe shallowly, and have
other medical conditions, such as lung diseases or
panic disorder. Women experience hyperventilation more
often than men. Most people who have problems with hyperventilation are 15 to 55 years old. Hyperventilation may occur when people travel to
elevations over 6000 ft (2000 m). Symptoms can be similar to symptoms that are caused by another,
more serious medical problem, such as a lung problem.

Acute (sudden)
hyperventilation is usually triggered by acute stress, anxiety, or emotional
upset. Chronic (recurring) hyperventilation may be an ongoing problem for
people with other diseases, such as asthma, emphysema, or lung cancer.

Many women have problems with hyperventilation during pregnancy, but it
usually goes away on its own after delivery.

In many cases,
hyperventilation can be controlled by learning proper breathing
techniques.

Symptoms of hyperventilation

Symptoms of
hyperventilation usually last 20 to 30 minutes and may include:

Feeling anxious, nervous, or
tense.

Frequent sighing or yawning.

Feeling that you
can't get enough air (air hunger) or need to sit up to breathe.

Hyperventilation is not a disease, but you may need to be
checked by your doctor if you have repeated episodes of hyperventilation
symptoms. If you have recurring symptoms, you might be diagnosed with a
condition called hyperventilation syndrome (HVS).

Treatment for
hyperventilation depends on the cause. Home treatment is usually all that is
needed for mild hyperventilation symptoms. Medical treatment may be needed for
hyperventilation symptoms that are moderate to severe, that last for long
periods of time, that come back, or that
interfere with your daily activities. Medical
treatment usually includes reassurance, stress reduction measures, breathing
lessons, or medicine.

Have you noticed irregular heartbeats or heart rate changes even when you are not hyperventilating?

Yes

Arrhythmia or heart rate changes when not hyperventilating

No

Arrhythmia or heart rate changes when not hyperventilating

Do you think there could be a breathing problem other than hyperventilation?

Yes

Respiratory problem other than hyperventilation

No

Respiratory problem other than hyperventilation

Do you think you have a breathing problem other than hyperventilation?

Yes

Respiratory problem other than hyperventilation

No

Respiratory problem other than hyperventilation

Did you pass out completely (lose consciousness)?

Yes

Lost consciousness

No

Lost consciousness

If you are answering for someone else: Is the person unconscious now?

(If you are answering this question for yourself, say no.)

Yes

Unconscious now

No

Unconscious now

Are you back to your normal level of alertness?

After passing out, it's normal to feel a little confused, weak, or lightheaded when you first wake up or come to. But unless something else is wrong, these symptoms should pass pretty quickly and you should soon feel about as awake and alert as you normally do.

Pain, pressure, or a
strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both
shoulders or arms.

Lightheadedness or sudden
weakness.

A fast or irregular heartbeat.

The more of these symptoms you have, the more likely it is that
you're having a heart attack. Chest pain or pressure is the most common
symptom, but some people, especially women, may not notice it as much as other
symptoms. You may not have chest pain at all but instead have shortness of breath, nausea, numbness,
tingling, or a strange feeling in your chest or other areas.

Severe trouble breathing means:

You cannot talk at all.

You have to
work very hard to breathe.

You feel like you can't get enough
air.

You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly.

Moderate trouble breathing means:

It's hard to talk in full
sentences.

It's hard to breathe with activity.

Mild trouble breathing means:

You feel a little out of breath but can still talk.

It's becoming hard to breathe with activity.

Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:

You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).

It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind
of care you may need. These include:

Your age. Babies and older
adults tend to get sicker quicker.

Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart
disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care
sooner.

Medicines you take. Certain
medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements can cause symptoms or make them
worse.

Recent health events, such as surgery
or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them
more serious.

Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug
use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be
able to take care of this problem at home.

Try home treatment to relieve the
symptoms.

Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any
concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect).
You may need care sooner.

Call 911 Now

Home Treatment

Home treatment may help you control
your breathing and stop
hyperventilation. First, sit down and concentrate on
your breathing.

Breathing techniques

Breathe through pursed lips, as if you are
whistling, or pinch one nostril and breathe through your nose. It is harder to
hyperventilate when you breathe through your nose or pursed lips, because you
can't move as much air.

Place one hand on your belly just below the
ribs. Place the other hand on your chest. You can do this while standing, but
it may be more comfortable while you are lying on the floor with your knees
bent.

As you exhale
through pursed lips, feel your hand go down. Use the hand on your belly to help
you push all the air out. Take your time exhaling.

Repeat these
steps 3 to 10 times. Take your time with each breath.

Always try measures to control your breathing or
belly-breathe first. If these techniques don't work and you don't have other
health problems, you might try breathing in and out of a paper bag that covers
your nose and mouth.

Using a paper bag

Use a paper bag to control your breathing. Take 6 to 12 easy, natural breaths, with a
small paper bag held over your mouth and nose. Then remove the bag from your
nose and mouth and take easy, natural breaths.

Learn
belly-breathing (diaphragmatic breathing) techniques,
and practice them when you are not hyperventilating so that you can use the
techniques when you need them. People who hyperventilate usually take shallow
breaths, filling only their upper chest when they inhale.

Try
different relaxation techniques and see what works best for you. For more
information, see the topic
Stress Management.

Talk to friends, family
members, or a counselor to help you relieve anxiety. Keep a journal to help you
focus on your problems and find workable solutions.

Eat a healthy
mix of foods. Watch out for caffeine: drink less coffee, tea, and soda, and do
not eat as much chocolate. For more information, see the topic
Healthy Eating.

Exercise. Regular aerobic
exercise forces you to take full breaths and helps you to reduce anxiety that
contributes to hyperventilation. For more information, see the topic
Fitness.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.
How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.